Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi government and major automobile manufacturers of misleading the public over the benefits of ethanol-blended petrol. He claimed that three out of six companies approached by his party refused to endorse the government's claims, while Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp held press conferences to reiterate the official line.
Kejriwal's allegations
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had contacted six automakers to seek their independent assessment on the use of ethanol-blended petrol. According to him, three companies declined to comment, but the remaining three—Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp—chose to hold press conferences backing the government's position. He did not name the companies that refused.
Kejriwal alleged that the government and these automakers were colluding to push ethanol blending without adequate transparency. He argued that the move could lead to higher costs for consumers and potential damage to vehicles, citing concerns raised by some experts.
Government's stance on ethanol blending
The central government has been promoting ethanol-blended petrol as part of its efforts to reduce oil imports and cut carbon emissions. The target is to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. Officials say the policy will benefit farmers by creating a market for sugarcane and other feedstock, while also improving air quality.
However, critics have pointed to issues such as the energy density of ethanol, which is lower than petrol, potentially affecting fuel efficiency. There are also concerns about the impact on food security and water usage for ethanol production.
Automakers respond
Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, and Hero MotoCorp have not directly responded to Kejriwal's allegations. In their press conferences, they reportedly emphasized that their vehicles are compatible with E20 fuel (20% ethanol blend) and that the transition would be smooth for consumers. The companies have previously stated that they have been working on engine modifications to handle higher ethanol blends.
When contacted by media, a spokesperson for the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said that the industry supports the government's ethanol blending roadmap and has been investing in R&D to ensure vehicle compatibility.
Political implications
The accusation comes ahead of the Delhi assembly elections scheduled for early 2027. Kejriwal has been a vocal critic of the Modi government on several issues, including fuel prices and environmental policies. The AAP has positioned itself as a champion of transparency and consumer rights.
Political analysts say the ethanol debate could become a flashpoint in the upcoming elections, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which are major sugarcane producers. The BJP has dismissed Kejriwal's claims as baseless and politically motivated.
